Analysis
Political risks: Halting new threats
Businesses with domestic and international footprints are increasingly demanding protection from political risks. But, as the threats have changed in recent years, so has the cover that serves to protect against them
More scrutiny on Luxembourg captives ahead
With increasing regulatory scrutiny, managing a captive can become challenging. Protected cell companies offer a practical alternative.
Running off captives in Luxembourg: How to recover the equalisation reserve
A treasure awaits those holding the keys for unlocking Luxembourg’s main assets within the insurance industry. According to the regulator’s latest annual report, reinsurers have built up €9.3bn (£7.8bn) in equalisation reserves in the country.
Claims aggregation: Joined-up thinking
The Supreme Court ruling in AIG has clarified the conditions under which claims can be aggregated, allowing insurers to reduce their exposure, but future cases will remain highly fact-sensitive
Finishing line in sight for the IPID
Although many who voted for Brexit may have hoped otherwise, leaving the European Union will not enable the UK insurance community to turn a blind eye to the insurance regulations dreamed up by those famously unelected bureaucrats in Brussels. Although…
Insurance Census 2017: Diversity isn't coming quick enough
The Chartered Insurance Institute responds to the Insurance Census 2017. Research conducted by Post and published in the March issue showed a profession getting older, paying men more than women, with boardrooms remaining rather pale.
Europe: Insuring robots (and against robots)
Robots are becoming ubiquitous. Do we need specific insurance? And do they?
Brokers: The unbearable weight of regulation
Brokers are becoming increasingly frustrated with the Financial Conduct Authority, citing rising compliance costs and an overbearing regulatory regime as hurdles to growth and innovation
Hong Kong grapples with healthcare inflation
In the second most expensive place in the world for private medical insurance insurers and the government are trying to tackle Hong Kong's multiple healthcare challenges.
Legal Update: When reasonable isn't enough
The Supreme Court judgment in Montgomery v Lanarkshire Health Board opens a new avenue for claims against professionals, explains Alisdair Matheson, partner at Brodies.
Identity fraud: Trading faces
With almost 173,000 reported cases last year, identity fraud is an ever-increasing problem. Insurers are taking a proactive approach to fight this pernicious problem
Insurance M&As expected to focus on insurtech
The days of mega-mergers in the insurance industry may be behind us as consolidation activity has dropped significantly from the peaks of 2014 and 2015. The sector is contemplating this change of gear and steadying itself in the face of waves of global…
Enterprise Act: Paying the price for paying late
With the Enterprise Act coming into force on 4 May, policyholders will now be able to claim damages for late payment of claims. Are insurers ready?
Making Winners work: African farm insurance
The Winners Project aims to provide a long-term-solution to the threat of extreme weather for farmers in Africa
Roundtable: Tackling the start-ups
As traditional insurers partner with start-up tech companies, the landscape of insurance is changing. Start-ups pose less as threats hellbent on disrupting the industry and more as an opportunity waiting to happen. Post, in association with Mendix,…
Climate change: insurers feeling the heat
The global risk landscape is currently dominated by environmental upheavals caused by climate change. The resulting catastrophes are of concern to people in general and insurers, in particular, tasked as they are with underwriting and managing ever…
Fire claims: Not getting burnt
The Enterprise Act may expose inefficiences in the way claims are handled – and fire investigators could feel the heat, as any delay in investigating may cost
Credit insurers look to capitalise on Brexit fallout
Any hint of an economic downturn inevitably results in forecasts that demand for trade credit insurance will soar. So, predictably, Brexit has sent the PR machines of the major credit insurers into overdrive.
Cyber regulation: Cyber’s new rules
The tightening of data regulation next year could drive demand for cyber cover and, with the reporting of breaches becoming compulsory, it may help underwriters price this new risk ever more accurately
Legal Update: Driverless car policies don't preclude product liability
As automated vehicles take to the roads, the government is likely to focus on one motor insurer as the first port of call for any third-party claim to simplify the claims process. However, that will not preclude other proceedings based on product…
Riding into the danger zone
The nature of their work means journalists and aid workers are often running into danger zones while others are looking to get out. Both professions have significant need for insurance but have sometimes struggled to obtain the cover they need at a price…
Pool Re: The changing face of terrorism
The number of terrorist incidents on UK soil has dropped since Pool Re was set up, with Irish republican paramilitary attacks giving way to less frequent strikes by radical Islamic terrorists, however, the threat to the country remains as severe
China: The new silk road
China’s One Belt, One Road initiative is one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects the world has ever seen.
Uninsured driving - the European way
A recent European ruling that means insured motorists will pay repairs for uninsured drivers has caused outrage in the industry. What is the extent of uninsured driving in Europe, how do national differences compare and which policies work?